Color‑guard choreographer tells board he filed IRS complaint alleging music‑booster mismanagement; board requests financials and plans review

Scott Bush, who identified himself as the high school color‑guard and visual choreographer, told the Marion City Schools Board during public comment on Dec. 16 that he has filed an IRS complaint alleging mismanagement by the Harding Music Boosters and described financial shortfalls that, he said, affected students’ uniforms and equipment.

"I have filed a complaint with the IRS," Bush told the board and provided the members with a three‑page packet of documents. He said students were denied a chance to fundraise at a music event and that the boosters told him they lacked funds to reimburse equipment purchases. Bush produced photographs and receipts for equipment he purchased for students: "These savers are $223 a piece," he said, referring to practice sabres, and he told the board, "I paid almost $4,000 out of my own pocket" to cover uniforms and other needs after the boosters reportedly were unable to pay.

Bush said he had discussed the matter with district staff, including Dr. Bolden, and that he has documentary evidence and other parents and staff willing to provide information. He asked the board to investigate; administrators said they had asked the boosters for financial records in the past year but had not received them.

Board members questioned Bush in public about whether he had submitted documentation. He confirmed a Form 13909 complaint was filed with the IRS on Oct. 18 (as stated in the packet). Bush also said he had requested the district or a third party audit the boosters’ finances and that he had asked administrators to investigate. Board members acknowledged the sensitivity because a staff member is married to the boosters’ president and said they would handle personnel matters in executive session.

The board confirmed it had no financial statements from the music boosters on file and discussed whether the district could require financial disclosures or seek a third‑party audit for the related organization. The board later entered executive session for personnel/investigation reasons; trustees recorded that no action would be taken immediately following that session.

Why it matters: The complaint alleges that a booster organization tied to the district’s music program failed to reimburse or support student needs, prompting a volunteer staff member to pay for uniforms and equipment. The board asked for and did not have the boosters’ financial records on file, and members discussed next steps, including an audit and confidential personnel review.

Clarifying details: Bush said he filed IRS Form 13909 on Oct. 18 and that he paid for replacement equipment and uniforms after the boosters declined reimbursement; he told the board he paid "almost $4,000" and provided receipts showing sabres cost $223 each. Administrators said a staff member had received a narrative and requested an audit; the board said district policy would require a third‑party audit of a related organization rather than an internal audit.